Profiles in Nordic: In Their Own Words – James Mathieu, 100 day Nordic skier
Local Jackson skier, James Mathieu, celebrated his 100th day skiing on Nordic skis in late April 2021, and is on his way to ski another 100 days this year!
JH Nordic: What first inspired you to try Nordic skiing?
James: I began as a backcountry skier in the old Norwegian Army/Bonna skis days (pine tar, leather boots, and kick waxes). In 1983 I skied to Old Faithful from Yellowstone’s South Entrance and then across the Pitchstone Plateau.
When my daughter, Corinne, joined the high school cross country ski team in 1996, coached by Walt Berling, I got serious about skate skiing. After repeatedly following Corinne’s team to West Yellowstone in November for pre-season training, that annual ‘pilgrimage” became somewhat of a family tradition.
JH Nordic: When did you first come to Jackson Hole?
I first came to Jackson Hole sitting in the back seat of my family’s station wagon when I was five-years-old. When my Dad could join us in the summer, we stayed at the Triangle X, otherwise, my Mother, my sister, and I would camp at the Signal Mountain Campground. When I was nine-years-old my family, and three other partners, purchased what is now Lake Creek Ranch, so I spent my summers in Jackson. When I graduated from college in 1972, I worked on haying crews, as a lift operator, as a ski patrolman, and as a land surveyor, but (eventually) I came indoors and ran the first iteration of Wyoming Outfitters on the town square (circa 1974 to 1994).
Trail Etiquette and Dog Management
Basic Guidelines to skiing with your dog!
- First and foremost, Check JH Nordic trails – click the Dog icon -to find over 40 dog-friendly trails , to make sure that dogs are allowed on the trails you are hoping to ski on. If they are not, take your dog to a different trail. If dogs are allowed make sure that you follow all the protocol that trail asks for skiing with your dog.
- Your dog needs to be well trained, meaning they run slightly in front or to the side of you. They need to listen and respond to commands as well. This way your pup doesn’t harass other skiers and you don’t hurt yourself or your dog by having your dog get in your way.
- Put your dog on a leash, or one at a hands reach! When you are in heavily populated areas or in a parking lot put your dog on a leash (even if they are well behaved it will put the fellow patrons at ease.)
- In Grand Teton National Park, dogs must be on leash at all times. Dogs are permitted only on selected road trails such as Teton Park road, Moose-Wilson Road.
- Common dog etiquette also applies on winter trails. If nature calls, always clean it up! Check out more of what you can do to keep our trails clean here.
- Try to go skiing when the trails are not populated with tons of other skiers – usually early mornings or late afternoons.
- Have fun with your pup!
And remember to bring a poop bag and pick up the poop!
Nordic Notes February 16th
A strange white substance has been spotted, falling from the sky. Local experts confirm that it is called “snow” and that long ago it fell in great quantities, blanketing the land. We can only dream that the days of old have returned and that once again the trails will be refreshed and renewed with a bountiful coating of luxurious white powder.
Tech tip of the week Courtesy of Scott Horn
Previously we discussed how classic and skate skiing feed into one another, helping you to synergize your skills and improve overall as a skier. Here are a few more ways to improve your technique, either to gain basic skill or to take those skills to the next level.
• Take a lesson from a professional instructor who emphasizes the appropriate body position and body movement for each technique.
• Watch videos of proficient skiers, with a keen eye for detail.
• Practice your skiing while keeping these instructions and details in mind. It’s easy to lose track and slip into bad habits, so try to refocus several times as you ski to make sure these skills are driven into habit.
• Finally, have your instructor or a friend video your skiing and review the video later. Afterward, compare your body position and movements with those of proficient skiers.
With just a little focus and effort, you’ll be skiing with the best in no time.
TODAY! Classic Ski Clinic at Trail Creek
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022
11am – 12:30pm
Hosted by Scott Horn and JH Ski Club Nordic Team Coaches
There will be 10 clinics running every Thursday in January and February from 11am-12:30pm. The Nordic Masters clinics will focus on skate ski and classic cross country skiing every other week.
Joining all 10 clinics is your best approach to developing your full Nordic skiing technique, balance, stride, stamina, and overall fitness while having fun in a small group. For those who only wish to focus on one technique, we are offering a Skate Ski Clinic series of 5 clinics or a Classic Cross country series of 5 clinics.
Trail Creek
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/15
Magical Day!
All morning long giant champagne powder flakes have been drifting earthward; meanwhile misty clouds shrouding the ridge tops have battled with radiant beams of sunshine, piercing the shadowed forest floor. The slowly accumulating snow is totaling near 2 inches as the morning wraps up and has added a frosting of freshness to hard working ski trails. A moderate crowd of early morning skiers have had nothing but smiles on their faces as they’ve navigated the extensive Trail Creek network.
Our Husky has been navigating our winter wonderland as well, laying down lots of great places to ski. In the woods Armin’s and Moose Loop received multiple passes with fresh classic tracks while the rest received a single pass with fresh classic tracks. The fields received a complete rework today as well with double classic tracks and fresh skate lanes everywhere.
With temps near freezing and just enough fresh snow, it’s simply a great day to ski!
Groomer’s choice for today is Moose Loop.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Grooming Monday-Saturday
Last Update: 2/16
Cache creek and May park are groomed and in decent shape. Game creek will be done around 11:00.
Thursday Grooming Schedule: High School Fields, Emily’s Pond Levee, Wilson Centennial Pathway
Cache Creek Fat Bike Trails
Last Update: 1/31
I ran a drag over the trails in Cache tonight to smooth out the new snow into ruts and footprints. Things are still nice and firm up there.
Grooming by Friends of Pathways.
Teton Pines Nordic
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 1/23
Our trails continue to be in incredible shape with this awesome weather we’ve recently had! The cold temps and clear skies are great for the track. We groom 13km+ daily for both skate and classic with our new snowcat.
Our trails and shop are fully open to the public 9am-4pm daily. Day passes, 10 punch cards, and season passes are available at the shop.
Please call us in advance to book lessons at: (307) 733-1733. You do not need a reservation for skiing and we do not take reservations for rentals. Please contact us in advance to check availability for off-site rentals.
We still have a great selection of skate skis, a few classic track and BC skis, boots, jackets, pants, gloves, and hats. We also have a good selection of used skate gear available. Call or come by to see if we have your sizes! We have a full tuning shop so drop off your skis for a wax done by our great wax techs!
Visit our website for pricing and other information: www.tetonpinesnordiccenter.com
Shooting Star
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/14
Happy Valentine’s Day! Trails remain in excellent shape, boasting firmer, fast conditions in the morning followed by a slight softening as inversions lift and temperatures reach into the 20s and 30s by afternoon. Snow returns to the forecast over the next few days and will hopefully bring a much needed refresh for the Nordic course, and the Tetons as whole. Storm skiing conditions could exist during the weather system, but we will continue to groom each morning and conditions should be quite enjoyable for Nordic skiing following the potential snow.
Next update will be by Friday, 2/18.
TRAIL STATUS
- YELLOW LOOP OPEN
- SLED HILL GROOMED on 2/7 (Grooming will occur as needed)
- CLASSIC TRACKS SET
- SNOWSHOEING OPEN (BLUE LOOP ONLY, STAY ON THE EDGE OF THE TRAIL OR IMMEDIEDATEY NEXT TO TRAIL)
- ORANGE LOOP OPEN
- WALKING, NOT ALLOWED
Snake River Sporting Club
Daily Nordic grooming for both “Front Nine” (south side) and “Back Nine” (North side) Nordic Trails
Public access to the groomed Nordic trails is $50 per person per day, with no season passes available. Ski rentals are available at the Sports Shop. Guests must check in at the Sports Shop to sign a waiver and make payment before heading out. The daily pass does not allow access to the Restaurant this season. The clinics that are being offered are for members and lodging guests only.
Please call the Sports Shop with any questions you may have at 307-200-3093
Grand Teton National Park
Last Update: 2/15
Today GTNP Taggert to Signal and all four lanes to the south. Cool and overcast with light snow.
Grooming is sponsored by the GTNP Foundation and generous donations from our community.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Grooming Daily
Last Update: 2/14
Warmer temperatures and a little bit of snow is expected. The trails have been skiing fast and a change in weather should make them even better.
Please sign acknowledgment of risk forms and pay for trail passes online ahead of your visit. Call the front office (307) 543-2000 ahead of your visit for booking equipment rentals and Nordic adventures (lessons and tours).
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/the-ranch/live-conditions/
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com | 307.543.2000
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
Grand Targhee
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Last Updated: 2/16
Cross Country 15k: XC OPEN
Fat Bike Trails : Closed
Snowshoe Trails: Open
Targhee’s Nordic trails are groomed Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sat/Sundays. Fat bike/snowshoe trails are groomed regularly but not on a set schedule – the groomer usually waits until after a storm cycle to groom the single track.
Trail day passes are $20 this winter.
Remember, singletracks will be closed when there is more than 3 inches of snow in a 24 hour period.
Alta Track
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday
Last Updated: 2/16
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Everything is groomed full width and classic track is set. Conditions will be soft today. Well groomed again tomorrow.
Please do not park in the library parking lot. Please be sure to keep your dogs on a leash and to clean up after them.
Driggs
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 2/16
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
New clean snow!!! All tracks groomed at least twice with the roller but snow is a bit sticky so some places aren’t corduroy. It’s all in great shape though just in time for the sun to come out.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 2/16
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Nice to see some snow! Was able to reset the classic track which came out good but not great. The skating will not be as firm as fast as it has been but should ski nicely! Enjoy
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Last Updated: 2/16
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Plan to reset both skate and classic tracks this morning. Hopefully finish by 10am.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
Last Updated: 2/14
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Just a heads up to tomorrow’s skiers. We will be trimming branches and brush along the campground loop tomorrow. Expect to encounter workers, chainsaws, and snowmobiles on the trail. We will do our best to clean up behind us.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Reserve Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Thursday & Saturday
Last Updated: 2/16
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Completed grooming at 5 PM today. A couple roller passes to take the air out of the fresh snow; then set skate and classic tracks. should set up nicely overnight and be really good gliding tomorrow.
No dogs allowed.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/14
Singletrack: Set
I was able to drag and fill in some ruts and post holes on upper and lower lady slipper. All the other trails are in fine shape. Enjoy the ride.
Happy Hour (aka Mike Harris to ID/WY state line)
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/10
Groomed to summer TH 2/4
Rammell Mountain Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/10
Groomed 1/14
South Leigh Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/10
Groomed 2/10 am
TODAY!
JH Nordic Masters Classic & Skate Ski Clinics
CLASSIC SKI CLINIC at TRAIL CREEK
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022
11am – 12:30pm
Hosted by Scott Horn and JH Ski Club Nordic Team Coaches
There will be 10 clinics running every Thursday in January and February from 11am-12:30pm. The Nordic Masters clinics will focus on skate ski and classic cross country skiing every other week.
Joining all 10 clinics is your best approach to developing your full Nordic skiing technique, balance, stride, stamina, and overall fitness while having fun in a small group. For those who only wish to focus on one technique, we are offering a Skate Ski Clinic series of 5 clinics or a Classic Cross country series of 5 clinics.
We’d love to hear about your outdoor adventures, what your doing to stay healthy, safe, respectful of community health guidelines – send pictures or post on FB and Insta – #JHNordic
